System and method of fiber distribution

ABSTRACT

A closure ( 15 ) is installed at a network distribution point to facilitate upgrading a subscriber network ( 10 ) to extend optical fibers closer to the subscribers ( 18 ). The closure ( 15 ) may include active equipment to convert optical signals to electrical signals. The closure ( 15 ) enables a plug-and-play connection to the active equipment to facilitate installing and/or upgrading active equipment at the closure ( 15 ). The closure ( 15 ) also is expandable to enable drop cables (or other optical cable) to be routed from the closure ( 15 ) towards the subscribers ( 18 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/057,540, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “System and Method of FiberDistribution,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Fiber to the distribution point (FTTdp) is a fiber-optic basedcommunication delivery network in which optical fibers are run in anoptical distribution network from a central office to locations (i.e.,distribution points) located near subscribers. Electrical cablescomplete the network, extending from the distribution points to thesubscribers (e.g., to Optical Network Terminals or other subscriberequipment). The optical signals carried by the optical fibers areconverted into electrical signals, which are carried by the electricalcables the remaining distance to the subscribers.

Improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a system and method that facilitates thetransition between optical signals to electrical signals in the field.The present disclosure also facilitates upgrading the network to extendthe fibers closer to, or all the way to, the premises. In certainexamples, the system and method according to the present disclosureenables the transition from optical to electrical to be accomplishedwithout field splicing.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a closure includes afiber management module; an active equipment module; and a fiber line.The fiber management module has a sealed fiber connection locationaccessible from an exterior of the fiber management module. The activeequipment module is coupled to the fiber management module to form asealed enclosure. The active equipment module has a sealed electricalconnection location accessible from an exterior of the active equipmentmodule. The active equipment module contains a fiber-to-electricalsignal converter that is electrically coupled to the sealed electricalconnection location. The fiber line connects the sealed fiber connectionlocation to the fiber-to-electrical signal converter.

In certain examples, the active equipment module is removably coupled tothe fiber management module. In an example, a watertight gasket isdisposed between the fiber management module and the active equipmentmodule. In an example, the active equipment module is pivotally coupledto the fiber management module to move between a closed position and anopen position. The fiber line is not accessible from an exterior of theclosure when the active equipment module is disposed in the closedposition. The fiber line is accessible when the active equipment moduleis disposed in the open position.

In certain examples, the fiber management module includes a plastichousing body; and the active equipment module includes a module bodyconfigured to dissipate heat. In an example, the module body includesfins. In an example, the module body includes metal.

In certain examples, a jumper cable has a first connectorized endplugged into an optical adaptor at the first sealed fiber connectionlocation. The fiber line is optically coupled to the first connectorizedend. In examples, the sealed fiber connection location of the fibermanagement module is a first sealed fiber connection location. The fibermanagement module has a second sealed fiber connection location. Thejumper cable extends from the first connectorized end to a secondconnectorized end that is plugged into the second sealed fiberconnection location.

In examples, the first and second sealed fiber connection locationsinclude ruggedized multi-fiber optical adaptors. The first and secondconnectorized ends of the jumper cable include multi-fiber connectors.In an example, the second connectorized end of the jumper cableterminates fewer optical fibers than the first connectorized end of thejumper cable. In an example, at least a first optical fiber terminatedat the first connectorized end of the jumper cable has a distal endterminated by a single-optical connector.

In an example, the single-optical connector is routed to an opticaladaptor disposed within an interior of the fiber management module. Theactive equipment module includes a fiber pigtail extending outwardlyfrom the active equipment module and routed to the optical adaptor tointerface with the single-optical connector to form the fiber line. Inan example, at least a second optical fiber terminated at the firstconnectorized end of the jumper cable has a distal end that is leftunterminated, the unterminated distal end being disposed within thefiber management module. In certain examples, the fiber line includes afiber pigtail extends outwardly from the active equipment module. Thefiber pigtail has a connectorized end disposed exterior of the activeequipment module.

In examples, an expansion module is configured to mount between thefiber management module and the active equipment module. The expansionmodule has a sealed drop fiber connection location connecting to thefirst sealed fiber connection location. In an example, the sealed dropfiber connection location is configured to receive fewer fibers than thesealed fiber connection location.

In certain examples, the fiber-to-electrical signal converter is sealedwithin the active equipment module.

In certain examples, the sealed fiber connection location is adapted tomate with a ruggedized multi-fiber connector from outside the fibermanagement module. In certain examples, the sealed electrical connectionlocation is adapted to mate with a ruggedized multi-fiber connector fromoutside the fiber management module.

In certain examples, the active equipment module includes factoryinstalled internal components. In certain examples, the active equipmentmodule includes factory installed internal components and has a tamperproof construction.

In certain examples, the closure is a plug-and-play connection betweenfiber input of the fiber management module and electrical outputs of theactive equipment module.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a method of upgradingcommunication signals over a subscriber network includes plugging afeeder cable into a sealed fiber connection location of a fibermanagement module; routing the optical signals from the sealed fiberconnection location to a fiber-to-electrical converter disposed within asealed active equipment module; and plugging an electrical cable into asealed electrical connection location of the sealed active equipmentmodule.

In certain examples, routing the optical signals from the sealed fiberconnection location to a fiber-to-electrical converter includesconnecting a first end of a jumper cable to the sealed fiber connectionlocation. The jumper cable includes optical fibers. At least one of theoptical fibers is terminated at a second end of the jumper cable by anoptical connector. The method also includes plugging the opticalconnector into an optical adaptor disposed within the fiber managementmodule; and plugging a connectorized end of a fiber pigtail that extendsout of the sealed active equipment module into the optical adaptor.

In certain examples, the method also includes upgrading active equipmentof the closure by unplugging the connectorized end of the fiber pigtail;removing the sealed active equipment module from the fiber managementmodule; attaching a new sealed active equipment module to the fibermanagement module; and plugging a connectorized end of a fiber pigtailthat extends out of the new sealed active equipment module into theoptical adaptor. The new sealed active equipment module containsupgraded active equipment.

In certain examples, the method also includes separating the sealedactive equipment module from the fiber management module; positioning anexpansion module between the sealed active equipment module and thefiber management module so that the expansion module seals to the activeequipment module and seals to the fiber management module to form anexpanded enclosure. The expansion module has a sealed drop fiberconnection location. The method also includes routing a fiber linebetween the sealed fiber connection location of the fiber managementmodule and the sealed drop fiber connection location. The fiber line isfully disposed within the expanded enclosure.

In examples, at least another of the optical fibers of the jumper cableis terminated at the second end of the jumper cable by another opticalconnector that is routed to the sealed drop fiber connection location.In examples, at least another of the optical fibers of the jumper cableis spliced to a drop fiber pigtail that extends into the expansionmodule from the sealed drop fiber connection location.

In examples, the method also includes connecting a drop cable to thesealed drop fiber connection location; and routing the drop cable to asubscriber.

In certain examples, the method also includes plugging a fiberdistribution cable into another sealed fiber connection location of thefiber management module. The fiber distribution cable has fewer liveoptical fibers than the feeder cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example FTTdp network extending froma central office to subscribers in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example closure including a fibermanagement module and an active equipment module configured inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 2 in an openorientation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first example fiber jumper cablesuitable to be used with the closure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second example fiber jumper cablesuitable to be used with the closure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third example fiber cable closure ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 2 with an expansionmodule disposed between the fiber management module and the activeequipment module; and

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the closure of FIG.7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an example fiber to the premises network 10. The examplenetwork 10 includes a central office 11 from which a feeder cable 12extends to one or more network nodes 13 (e.g., fiber distribution hubs).A distribution cable 14 extends from a node 13 to a closure 15 locatedat a distribution point in the network 10. In the example shown, theclosure 15 receives optical signals from the fiber distribution cable 14and converts the optical signals into electrical signals that aretransmitted via an electrical cable 84 to an electrical distributionclosure 16. At the electrical distribution closure 16, the electricalsignals are separated and directed to the respective subscribers 18(e.g., to an Optical Network Terminal at the subscriber 18). It will beunderstood, of course, that the signals can pass in either directionbetween the central office and the subscribers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an example closure 15 suitable for use in thenetwork 10. In certain implementations, the closure 15 includes a fibermanagement module 24 and an active equipment module 28. The activeequipment module 28 is coupled to the fiber management module 24 tocooperatively form a sealed enclosure. For example, the closure 15includes a watertight gasket 86 disposed between the fiber managementmodule 24 and the active equipment module 28 when closed. In an example,the watertight gasket 86 is carried by the fiber management module 24.In another example, the watertight gasket 86 is carried by the activeequipment module 28.

In certain examples, the active equipment module 28 can be coupled tothe fiber management module 24 so as to allow movement of the activeequipment module 28 relative to the fiber management module 24 between aclosed position (see FIG. 2) and an open position (see FIG. 3). Theactive equipment module 28 forms the sealed enclosure with the fibermanagement module 24 when in the closed position. In certain examples,the active equipment module 28 pivots relative to the fiber managementmodule 24 between the open and closed positions. In certain examples,the active equipment module 28 is removable from the fiber managementmodule 24 without harm to either module.

The fiber management module 24 defines a sealed fiber connectionlocation 26 accessible from an exterior of the management module 24. Incertain implementations, the sealed fiber connection location 26 is aruggedized connection location. As the term is used herein, a“ruggedized” connection has a watertight seal and provides robustfastening.

In certain examples, the sealed fiber connection location 26 includes aruggedized optical adapter carried by the fiber management module 24.For example, the ruggedized optical adapter forms a watertight seal withthe management module 24. In various examples, either the opticaladapter or the fiber management module 24 includes a robust fastener forattachment of an optical cable (e.g., the distribution cable 14) at thesealed fiber connection location 26. In examples, the robust fastenerincludes a twist-to-lock fastener. In an example, the robust fastenerincludes threading (e.g., an internally threaded sleeve, an externallythreaded sleeve, etc.). In another example the robust fastener includespart of a bayonet connection.

The active equipment module 28 defines a sealed electrical connectionlocation 30 accessible from an exterior of the active equipment module28. In certain implementations, the sealed electrical connectionlocation 30 includes a ruggedized electrical receptacle or connector.The sealed electrical connection location 30 enables the electricalcable 84 to connect to the active equipment module with a watertightseal. The sealed electrical connection location 30 also enables theelectrical cable 84 to robustly attach to the active equipment module 28(e.g., with a twist-to-lock fastener).

In certain implementations, the active equipment module 28 includes afiber-to-electrical signal converter that is electrically coupled to thesealed electrical connection location 30. In certain examples, othertypes of active equipment (e.g., VDSL or G.fast technology) can bedisposed within the active equipment module 28. In certainimplementations, the signal converter is sealed within the activeequipment module 28. In certain implementations, the active equipmentmodule 28 has a tamper-proof construction to protect the activeelectronic equipment. In examples, the signal converter is sealed withinthe active equipment module 28 with a watertight gasket, ultrasonicweld, or other type of seal. In certain examples, the signal converteris disposed within the active equipment module 28 and electricallycoupled to the connection location 30 at the factory before the closure15 is installed in the field.

Optical signals received at the sealed fiber connection location 26 arerouted within the closure 15 to the signal converter and then routedwithin the closure 15 to the sealed electrical connection location 30 aswill be discussed in more detail herein. For example, optical signalscan be received from the distribution cable 14 connected to the sealedfiber connection location 26. The optical signals are routed through thefiber management module 24 to the signal converter located within theactive equipment module 28. In certain implementations, the opticalsignals are provided to the signal converter via a plug-and-playconnection.

In examples, an optical adapter 66 is disposed within the fibermanagement module 24. The optical adapter 66 is accessible when theactive equipment module 28 is moved to the open position relative to thefiber management module 24. The optical adapter 66 is not accessiblewhen the active equipment module 28 is closed relative to the fibermanagement module 24. A first optical line 35 extends from an interiorpart of the sealed fiber connection location 26 to a first port of theoptical adapter 66. A second optical line 68 extends outwardly from theactive equipment module 28 to a second port of the optical adapter 66.The optical adapter 66 includes alignment structure the aligns theoptical fibers of the first and second lines 35, 68.

In the example shown, the second optical line 68 includes a pigtailhaving a connectorized end 70 plugged into the second port. It should beappreciated, however, that the ends of fibers extending from the activeequipment module 28 are not necessarily connectorized. For example, inone implementation, an unconnectorized end of the second fiber line 68could be spliced to an unconnectorized end of the first optical line(e.g., to the second end of one of the fibers of the jumper cable 34 aswill be discussed in more detail herein).

In some implementations, the signal converter may generate heat. Incertain implementations, the active equipment module 28 may includeother active equipment that generates heat. Accordingly, a body 29 ofthe active equipment module 28 is configured to dissipate heat from anyactive electric equipment (e.g., an optical-to-electrical signalconverter) disposed within the active equipment module 28. In certainimplementations, at least a portion of the body 29 is constructed of aheat dissipating material, such as metal. In certain implementations,one or more cooling fins 88 are disposed at an exterior portion of thebody 29. In an example, the cooling fins 88 are constructed of metal. Insome implementations, the fiber management module 24 includes a plasticbody 27, which may be cheaper than a metal body. In otherimplementations, however, the fiber management module 24 may have ametal body 27.

In some implementations, a jumper cable 34 can be utilized with thefiber management system 24. The jumper cable 34 includes a firstconnectorized end 36 that connects to an interior of the first sealedfiber connection location 26. For example, the first connectorized end36 can be received at an internal port of a ruggedized optical adapter,which aligns the optical fiber(s) of the jumper cable 34 with theoptical fiber(s) of the distribution cable 14. At least a portion of thejumper cable 34 forms the first optical line 35. In the example shown,the jumper cable 34 is not accessible from an exterior of the closure 15when the active equipment module 28 and fiber management module 24 aredisposed in the closed position (see FIG. 2). The jumper cable 34 isaccessible when the active equipment module 28 is disposed in the openposition (see FIG. 3).

In some implementations, the sealed fiber connection location 26 of thefiber management module 24 is one of multiple sealed fiber connectionlocations. For example, the management module 24 can include a firstsealed fiber connection location 26 and a second sealed fiber connectionlocation 38. In the example shown, the jumper cable 34 extends from thefirst connectorized end 36 to a second connectorized end 40. The secondconnectorized end 40 is connected to the second sealed fiber connectionlocation 38 at an interior of the management module 24. For example, thefirst and second sealed fiber connection locations 26, 38 can eachinclude a ruggedized multi-fiber optical adaptor 42, 44; the first andsecond connectorized ends 36, 40 of the jumper cable 34 includemulti-fiber connectors that mate with interior ports of the ruggedizedadaptors 42, 44. Accordingly, any optical signals received at the firstsealed fiber connection location 26 are carried to the second sealedfiber connection location 38.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the jumper cable 34 includes multiple opticalfibers extending between first ends and second ends. In accordance withsame aspects of the disclosure, the second connectorized end 40 of thejumper cable 34 terminates the second ends of fewer optical fibers thanthe first connectorized end 36 of the jumper cable 34. For example, thefirst ends of the optical fibers are terminated by a first multi-fiberconnector (e.g., MPO connector) at the first connectorized end 36 of thejumper cable 34. The second ends of at least some of the optical fibersare terminated by a second multi-fiber connector (e.g., MPO connector)at the second connectorized end 40 of the jumper cable 34. In certainexamples, the second ends of less than all of the fibers are terminatedat the second multi-fiber connector. For example, the second end of atleast one of the optical fibers 37 is left unterminated.

The jumper cable 34 is disposed within the management module 24. Thefirst multi-fiber connector 36 is disposed within the management module24 at the first sealed fiber connection location 26. The secondmulti-fiber connector 40 is disposed within the management module 24 atthe second sealed fiber connection location 38.

An additional distribution cable can be connected to the second sealedfiber connection location 38 at an exterior of the closure 15 to receivethe optical signals carried to the second sealed fiber connectionlocation 38. In certain examples, the additional cable has fewer opticalfibers than the distribution cable 14. The additional distribution cablecan be routed to another closure 15 at another network distributionpoint or to other structure located elsewhere in the network. In someexamples, the additional distribution cable can be routed to a differenttype of enclosure having multiple sealed connection locations (e.g.,ruggedized optical adapters having exterior ports).

In certain implementations, the enclosure defines sealed connectionlocations to facilitate fiber to the home (FTTH) deployment. In certainexamples, the enclosure can include no more than twenty-four sealedconnection locations. In certain examples, the enclosure can include nomore than twelve sealed connection locations. In certain examples, theenclosure can include no more than eight sealed connection locations. Insome examples, the enclosure can include a multi-service terminal (MST).In other examples, the enclosure can include a flexible service terminal(FST). It should be appreciated that alternative configurations arepossible.

The second ends of the remaining fibers of the jumper cable 34 also arestored within the management module 24. For example, the second end ofthe optical fiber 37 is disposed within the management module 24. In anexample, the second end of the optical fiber 37 is ready to be opticallyspliced to another optical fiber routed into the management module 24.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second end of one or more of the opticalfibers of the jumper cable 34 can be separately terminated. For example,FIG. 5 illustrates an example jumper cable 34′ including optical fibershaving first ends terminated by the first multi-fiber connector 36. Atleast some of the second ends are terminated by the second multi-fiberconnector 40. The second end of a first 52 of the fibers is terminatedat a single-fiber connector 54. Examples of single fiber connectors 54include LC connectors, SC connectors, DLX connectors, LX 5 connectors,etc. As shown in FIG. 6, an example jumper cable 34″ can include two ormore single-fiber terminations 54, 56. It should be appreciated thatmany other jumper cable configurations are also possible.

In some implementations, one of the single-fiber connectors 54, 56 ofthe jumper cable 34′, 34″ is routed to the first port of the opticaladaptor 66 within the management module 24 to form the first opticalline 35. In certain implementations, multiple fiber pigtails can extendfrom the active equipment module 28 and be mated with multiple of thesingle-fiber connectors 54, 56 at one or more optical adapters disposedwithin the fiber management module 24. Accordingly, the optical signalsreceived at the first sealed fiber connection location 26 can bedirected to additional active equipment within the active equipmentmodule 28.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the closure 15 can beutilized to upgrade the subscriber side of the network with an opticalfiber infrastructure. For example, the closure 15 can be modified toenable optical signals received from the distribution cable 14 to beoutput to network subscribers (e.g., subscribers 18 in FIG. 1). In someimplementations, an expansion module can be added to the closure 15. Theexpansion module defines one or more sealed drop cable ports accessiblefrom an exterior of the closure 15. In certain examples, the second endsof one or more fibers of the jumper cable 34 are routed to the expansionmodule and connected to the sealed drop cable ports within the expansionmodule. One or more drop cables can be connected to exteriors of thesealed drop cable ports and routed to the subscribers (e.g., directly orvia multi-service terminals or other network nodes).

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one example closure 72 including a fibermanagement module 24, an active equipment module 28, and an expansionmodule 74. In certain implementations, the expansion module 74 isdisposed between the fiber management module 24 and the active equipmentmodule 28. The expansion module 74 can be sealingly coupled to the fibermanagement module 24 and to the active equipment module 28 to form a newsealed enclosure. For example, the expansion module 74 can be configuredto mate with the management module 24 with a first watertight gasket 86therebetween. The expansion module 74 can be configured to mate with theactive equipment module 28 with a second watertight gasket 89therebetween. In an example, the first watertight gasket 86 seats in achannel defined in the management module 24 and the second watertightgasket 89 seats in a channel defined in the expansion module 74. Otherconfigurations are possible.

The expansion module 74 defines at least one sealed drop cableconnection location 80. The sealed drop cable connection location 80 isconfigured to receive fewer fibers than the sealed fiber connectionlocation 26. In certain examples, the sealed drop cable connectionlocation 80 is configured to receive more fibers than the second sealedfiber connection location 38. In some implementations, the expansionmodule 74 defines between about two and twenty-four drop cableconnection locations 80. In certain implementations, the expansionmodule 74 defines between about four and sixteen drop cable connectionlocations 80. In certain implementations, the expansion module 74defines between about four and twelve drop cable connection locations80. In certain implementations, the expansion module 74 defines betweenabout eight and sixteen drop cable connection locations 80. In theexample shown, the expansion module 74 defines four sealed drop cableconnection locations 80. In the example shown, the expansion module 74defines six sealed drop cable connection locations 80. In the exampleshown, the expansion module 74 defines eight sealed drop cableconnection locations 80. It should be appreciated that many alternativeconfigurations are also possible.

In some implementations, only a portion of the downstream network isupgraded with optical fiber cabling. In such cases, the expanded closure72 includes the active equipment closure 28. In other implementations,however, the entire downstream network is upgraded with optical fibercabling. In such cases, the signal converter is no longer useful and canbe removed. In certain implementations, the active equipment module 28is removed from the expansion module 74 and replaced with a cover (e.g.,a metal or plastic cover). In an example, the cover does not define asealed connection location. In other examples, the cover can define orcooperate with the expansion module 74 to define sealed drop cableconnection locations 80.

The present disclosure provides a process of upgrading a subscribernetwork. For example, the disclosed closure 15 allows the upstream endof the network (i.e., the portion of the network upstream of thedistribution point) to be cabled with optical fiber while allowing thedownstream end of the network to remain cabled with electrical (e.g.,copper) cables. In certain implementations, upgrading the networkincludes plugging a distribution cable 14 into a sealed fiber connectionlocation 26 of a fiber management module 24; routing optical signalsfrom the sealed fiber connection location 26 to a signal converterdisposed within an active equipment module 28; and plugging anelectrical cable 84 into a sealed electrical connection location 30 ofthe active equipment module 28. It should be appreciate that thatalternative methods exist and can include a number of additional stepsor have less steps.

In certain examples, the fiber management module 24 is pre-cabled sothat a fiber line 35, 68 extends from the sealed fiber connectionlocation 26 to the signal converter. For example, the pre-cabling can beimplemented at a factory before the closure 15 is installed at thedistribution point. In some implementations, the pre-cabling includesrouting a connectorized end of a pigtail extending from the activeequipment module 28 to a port of an optical adapter 66 disposed in thefiber management module 24. The pre-cabling also can include routing aconnectorized end 54, 56 of a jumper cable 34 disposed within themanagement module 24 to another port of the optical adapter 66 to alignwith the connectorized end of the pigtail. In other implementations, thepigtail and jumper cable 34 can have unconnectorized ends that arespliced together within the management module 24.

In some implementations, the signal converter or other active equipmentwithin the active equipment module 28 can be replaced or upgraded bydetaching the active equipment module pigtail from the port of theoptical adapter 66; detaching the active equipment module 28 from thefiber management module 24; attaching a new active equipment module tothe fiber management module 24; and plugging or otherwise attaching anactive equipment module pigtail extending from the new active equipmentmodule to the port of the optical adapter 24. The active equipmentmodule 28 can be replaced without modifying the connections of the firstoptical line 35.

In some implementations, the downstream end of the network can beupgraded with optical cabling. For example, the active equipment module28 can be detached from the fiber management module 24; the expansionmodule 74 can be attached to the fiber management module 24; and theactive equipment module 28 can be attached to the expansion module 74 toform an expanded closure 72. In certain examples, the expansion module74 can be sealingly attached to the fiber management module 24 and/or tothe active equipment module 28 with one or more watertight gaskets.

In certain examples, one or more fiber lines can be routed within thesealed enclosure 72 between the sealed fiber connection location 26 andthe sealed drop cable connection locations 80. For example, in someimplementations, one or more connectorized ends 54, 56 of the jumpercable 34 can be routed into the expansion module 74 from the fibermanagement module 24. In other implementations, one or moreunconnectorized ends of the jumper cable 34 can be routed into theexpansion module 74 to be spliced to fiber pigtails extending inwardlyfrom the sealed drop cable connection locations 80. In still otherimplementations, one or more unconnectorized ends of the jumper cable 34can be spliced in the fiber management module 24 to unconnectorized endsof fiber pigtails that extend inwardly from the sealed drop cableconnection locations 80 and are routed to the fiber management module24. One or more drop cables (e.g., each having one or more opticalfibers) are coupled to the sealed drop cable connection locations 80 atan exterior of the expansion module 74. Accordingly, optical signalsreceived at the sealed fiber connection location 26 are carried to thedrop cables.

In some implementations, the active equipment module 28 cooperates withthe expansion module 74 to protect the internal cabling within theexpansion module 74. In other implementations, a cover can be attachedto the expansion module 74 in place of the active equipment module 28.The cover cooperates with the expansion module 74 to define a sealedclosure to protect internal cabling within the expansion module 74. Itshould be appreciated that many alternative configurations are alsopossible.

In view of the discussion above, it should be appreciated that thedisclosure has applicability to copper and fiber optic systems (e.g.,FTTdp systems and FTTH systems). The disclosure also has applicabilityto hardened connectivity systems. As discussed above, the goal of FTTdpis bringing a fiber network near the subscriber premises and interfacingwith an existing copper network that extends to the subscriber premises.

In examples, the FTTdp closure system discussed above can include aplastic bottom portion (the fiber management module) for fibermanagement and a metal top portion (active equipment module) for housingelectronic equipment (e.g., a circuit board with VDSL or G.fasttechnology).

In examples, the jumper cable 34 facilitates fiber management andenables optical connections in the field (e.g., outside of a factorysetting) without requiring optical splicing, which may require a skilledworker and/or may be expensive and/or may be time consuming to perform.

In examples, an incoming flat distribution cable could be connected tothe jumper cable 34 with an MPO connector. In some examples, less thanall fibers of the jumper cable 34 can be terminated at a second opticalconnector. The other (i.e., spare) fibers of the jumper cable 34 canremain unconnectorized and stored in the fiber management module 24 orcan be terminated with optical connectors. In an example, a twelve fiberjumper cable 34 is terminated at the first end by a twelve-fiber MPOconnector. Second ends of about eight of the fibers are terminated by asecond MPO connector (e.g., at an eight-fiber MPO connector, at atwelve-fiber MPO connector, at a twenty-four fiber MPO connector). Thespare four fibers can be connectorized (e.g., using SC/APC connectors)or unconnectorized.

In an example, one of these optical connectors is used to connect withthe equipment (e.g., VDSL or G. Fast) within the active equipment module28. In other examples (e.g., having different topologies), the sparefibers also can be spliced or connected to an optical splitter forservice to more subscribers.

In some examples, the ability to add a modular closure part (e.g., theexpansion module 74) with hardened connectivity ports (e.g., sealed dropcable connection ports 80) to an existing distribution point closure 15reduces the footprint of the whole (FTTdp/FTTH) system. At the sametime, the expansion module option offers a cost saving solution becauseit utilizes a single closure for all FTTdp and FTTH services instead ofmultiple closures.

In examples, the closure 15, 72 also minimizes the need for splicing inthe field and the need for skilled installers. It enables theinstallation to be done by installation crews trained for traditionalelectrical networks.

In examples, the fiber management in the closure 15, 72 is factoryinstalled and designed to make the installation very simple (e.g., plugand play).

In examples, the combination of MPO, SC/APC connectors, and/or spareoptical fibers in one (factory installed) jumper cable provides an easyinstallation to the active equipment and to the FTTH upgrade ports orproducts. In examples, using a factory installed MPO jumper cable withoptions for SC/APC connection or spare fibers reduces or avoids fieldsplicing and extra complex fiber management in the field.

In examples, the option to add an FTTH hardened connectivity module(i.e., expansion module 74) to the initial closure 15 for FTTdp networkconnections reduces the number of additional closures needed to providethe FTTH service. Besides the cost saving advantages, a reduction oftotal footprint is significant, which is important when installing incompact hand holes, pole, and/or wall mounting.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND CORRESPONDING FEATURES

-   10 network-   11 central office-   12 fiber distribution cable-   13 network nodes-   14 distribution cable-   15 closure-   16 electrical distribution closure-   18 subscribers-   24 fiber management module-   26 sealed fiber connection location-   27 plastic body-   28 active equipment module-   29 body-   30 sealed electrical connection location-   32 ruggedized multi-fiber connector-   34, 34′, 34″ jumper cable-   35 a first optical line-   36 first connectorized end-   37 second end-   38 second sealed fiber connection-   40 second connectorized end-   42 ruggedized multi-fiber optical adaptor-   44 ruggedized multi-fiber optical adaptor-   52 second end-   54 a single fiber connector-   56 a second single fiber connector-   66 optical adaptor-   68 a second optical line-   70 connectorized end of pigtail-   72 closure-   74 expansion module-   80 sealed drop fiber connection location-   84 electrical cable-   86 watertight gasket-   88 cooling fins

1. A closure comprising: a fiber management module having a sealed fiberconnection location accessible from an exterior of the fiber managementmodule; an active equipment module coupled to the fiber managementmodule to form a sealed enclosure, the active equipment module having asealed electrical connection location accessible from an exterior of theactive equipment module, and the active equipment module containing afiber-to-electrical signal converter that is electrically coupled to thesealed electrical connection location; and a fiber line connecting thesealed fiber connection location to the fiber-to-electrical signalconverter.
 2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the active equipmentmodule is removably coupled to the fiber management module.
 3. Theclosure of claim 2, wherein the active equipment module is pivotallycoupled to the fiber management module, the active equipment modulebeing movable relative to the fiber management module between a closedposition and an open position, wherein the fiber line is not accessiblefrom an exterior of the closure when the active equipment module isdisposed in the closed position, and wherein the fiber line isaccessible when the active equipment module is disposed in the openposition.
 4. The closure of claim 2, further comprising a watertightgasket disposed between the fiber management module and the activeequipment module.
 5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the fibermanagement module includes a plastic housing body; and wherein theactive equipment module includes a module body configured to dissipateheat.
 6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the module body includes fins.7. The closure of claim 5, wherein the module body includes metal. 8.The closure of claim 1, further comprising a jumper cable having a firstconnectorized end plugged into an optical adaptor at the first sealedfiber connection location, wherein the fiber line is optically coupledto the first connectorized end.
 9. The closure of claim 8, wherein thesealed fiber connection location of the fiber management module is afirst sealed fiber connection location, and wherein the fiber managementmodule has a second sealed fiber connection location; and wherein thejumper cable extends from the first connectorized end to a secondconnectorized end that is plugged into the second sealed fiberconnection location.
 10. The closure of claim 9, wherein the first andsecond sealed fiber connection locations include ruggedized multi-fiberoptical adaptors; and wherein the first and second connectorized ends ofthe jumper cable include multi-fiber connectors.
 11. The closure ofclaim 9, wherein the second connectorized end of the jumper cableterminates fewer optical fibers than the first connectorized end of thejumper cable.
 12. The closure of claim 11, wherein at least a firstoptical fiber terminated at the first connectorized end of the jumpercable has a distal end terminated by a single-optical connector.
 13. Theclosure of claim 12, wherein the single-optical connector is routed toan optical adaptor disposed within an interior of the fiber managementmodule; and wherein the active equipment module includes a fiber pigtailextending outwardly from the active equipment module and routed to theoptical adaptor to interface with the single-optical connector to formthe fiber line.
 14. The closure of claim 12, wherein at least a secondoptical fiber terminated at the first connectorized end of the jumpercable has a distal end that is left unterminated, the unterminateddistal end being disposed within the fiber management module.
 15. Theclosure of claim 1, wherein the fiber line includes a fiber pigtailextending outwardly from the active equipment module, the fiber pigtailhaving a connectorized end disposed exterior of the active equipmentmodule.
 16. The closure of claim 1, further comprising an expansionmodule that is configured to mount between the fiber management moduleand the active equipment module, the expansion module having a sealeddrop fiber connection location connecting to the first sealed fiberconnection location.
 17. The closure of claim 16, wherein the sealeddrop fiber connection location is configured to receive fewer fibersthan the sealed fiber connection location.
 18. The closure of claim 1,wherein the fiber-to-electrical signal converter is sealed within theactive equipment module.
 19. The closure of claim 1, wherein the sealedfiber connection location is adapted to mate with a ruggedizedmulti-fiber connector from outside the fiber management module.
 20. Theclosure of claim 1, wherein the sealed electrical connection location isadapted to mate with a ruggedized multi-fiber connector from outside thefiber management module.
 21. The closure of claim 1, wherein the activeequipment module includes factory installed internal components.
 22. Theclosure of claim 1, wherein the active equipment module includes factoryinstalled internal components and has a tamper proof construction. 23.The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure is a plug-and-playconnection between fiber input of the fiber management module andelectrical outputs of the active equipment module. 24-34. (canceled)